5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid. The body makes 5-HTP from trypotophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical). 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on the following functions and processes: sleep, mood anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior and pain sensations.

5-HTP may be helpful in treating a wide variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels, such as the following: Depression, Fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraine, obesity and headaches in children.

Dose Recommendations
Some experts recommend taking 50 to 100 mg of 5-HTP per day for most conditions. Higher doses of 5-HTP are necessary to produce beneficial results in certain conditions. Seek the advice of your health care provider before taking more than 100 mg of 5-HTP per day.